Your Week: October 18-24

Thursday | 18YEAR OF THE DRAGON 20TH ANNIVERSARY GALAThis dragon-themed fund-raising gala honors the milestone anniversary of the Culture Shock Network and is “the official kick-off to an entire long weekend devoted to the International Choreographer’s Showcase.” Enjoy a cocktail reception, dinner, and silent auction. $100 and 21+WHEN: 6 to 11 p.m.WHERE: Bristol Hotel, 1055 First Avenue, downtown. 619-299-2110; cultureshockdancecenter.com

Friday | 19TAKING REALITY BY SURPRISEArtist Daniel Merriam takes viewers “on a journey where old and new worlds collide and timeless stories are as familiar as they are bizarre” with this exhibition, titled “Flight of Fantasy.” Merriam will sign copies of his art books, available for purchase at the gallery.WHEN: 6 to 9 p.m. (also Saturday 6 to 9 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.)WHERE: Exclusive Collections Gaslamp Quarter, 437 Market Street. RSVP: pr@ecgallery.com or 800-204-0062; ecgallery.com

Saturday | 20RIDE THE PUMPKIN EXPRESSRide an old-time train down the mountain and return to the “Pumpkin Patch” and the “Haunted Train” to pick out a pumpkin for decorating onsite or taking home. Take one of three trains that provide a unique way for families to enjoy this festive season. $5–$15WHEN: Trains leave at 10 a.m., 12:15 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. (trains run Saturdays and Sundays through October 28)WHERE: Pacific Southwest Railway Museum, State Highway 94 and Forrest Gate Road, Campo. 619-478-9937; psrm.org

Sunday | 21APPLE FESTIVALFall is about more than pumpkins! Celebrate Palomar Mountain State Park’s apple heritage with fresh apples picked from the park’s 100-year-old orchards, apple dishes, live music, cider, arts and crafts for kids, prizes, and living-history reenactors. Guests are invited to bring their own homemade apple dish and come dressed in 19th-century homestead period attire. Free access throughout the park all day.WHEN: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.WHERE: Palomar Mountain State Park, 19952 State Park Drive, Palomar Mountain. 760-742-3462; palomarsp.org

Monday | 22THE HAUNTED TRAILGet a leg up by checking out this “all-outdoor haunted attraction” before the Halloween crowd gets crazy. On this mile-long trail “through the twisted grove of pines and gnarled oaks,” you’ll encounter an “outdoor terror that is simply too big to house indoors.” $15–$32, not for children under 10 or anyone with a heart condition.WHEN: 7 to 11 p.m. (ongoing through October 31, check for times)WHERE: Marston Point, Laurel Street at Sixth Avenue, Balboa Park. 619-231-0131; hauntedhotel.com

Wednesday | 24DECORATE SUGAR SKULLS!Kids 8 and older (or accompanied by an adult) can make their own traditional Day of the Dead decorations during this workshop. Participants will learn how to make the skulls and complete and decorate a sugar skull using their own designs. Free!WHEN: 6:30 p.m.WHERE: Malcolm X Library, 5148 Market Street, Valencia Park. 619-527-3405.